Light source support for automotive vehicle

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a light source support of an automotive vehicle. The light source support comprises: a first non-flexible part adapted to be mounted with a plurality of first electronic components; and a second non-flexible part adapted to be mounted with a plurality of second electronic components. The light source support further comprises a flexible arm adapted to join the first non-flexible part and the second non-flexible part to form the light source support, which is twistable and rotatable. The first non-flexible part and the second non-flexible part are joined in a non-axial manner by the flexible arm such that a longitudinal axis of the first non-flexible part is not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second non-flexible part when the first non-flexible part is joined with the second non-flexible part.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a light source support, i.e., PrintedCircuit Board (PCB), for lighting and/or signalling module. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to flexible PCBs that can beaccommodated on curved elements.

BACKGROUND

Light sources such as LED light sources are currently preferred thanconventional sources such as discharge lamps and halogen lamps for avariety of reasons. Electroluminescent diodes have a number ofadvantages. First, for a long time, it is known that this type of diodedoes not radiate omnidirectional, but radiates in a half space oppositeto a substrate that supports the light emitting diode elements of thelight emitting diode; thus, using more directional radiation, the amountof energy lost is less than with discharge or halogen lamps. Then, thesediodes have recently been improved in terms of radiated power. Finally,LEDs consume less energy, even at equal radiated power, than dischargelamps or halogen lamps; they are compact, and their particular shapeoffers new possibilities for the realization and arrangement of thecomplex surfaces associated with them, in particular by placing them onelectronic supports of the flexible electronic support type.

These light sources are often positioned on a substrate or a PrintedCircuit Board (PCB). In lighting devices of automotive vehicles, lightsources mounted on PCBs are configured to perform different lightingand/or signaling functions. However, existing PCBs are not flexible andare adapted to be mounted on flat surfaces. Further, when a function ofthe product has a curved shape, it is required to add more than one PCBin order to perform the function. This is because trying to deform a PCBcan create stress in the welding area of the PCB, with a risk ofcomprising the reliability of the system. Further, having more than onePCB for a function means to add a harness for the connection between thePCBs, and more complex assembly process, and thus making product moreexpensive. Further, known flexible PCBs cannot be accommodated on curvedelements.

The “background” description provided herein is for purposes ofpresenting the general context of the disclosure. Work of the presentlynamed inventors, to the extent it is described in this backgroundsection, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwisequalify as conventional art at the time of filing, are neither expresslynor impliedly admitted as conventional art against the presentdisclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a unique solution to one or more ofthe problems discussed above. It is believed that that the presentinvention provides a light source support, which is twistable androtatable, and does not include any additional harness for theconnection. In particular, the present provides a light source supporthaving two non-flexible parts structurally joined together by a flexiblearm, which is configure to twist and rotate the non-flexible parts insuch a manner that the light source support can be positioned on curvedlamp modules, and/or curved optical elements, for example, a curvedlight guide. Further, the light source support of the present inventioncan be used for multiple packaging platforms with one common design sothat it is not required to redesign the different PCB configurations fordifferent curvature modules. In addition, the light source support ofthe present invention can be manufactured in one process, instead ofmanufacturing two PCBs and joining them using harness like in theconventional arts.

Accordingly, pursuant to a first aspect of the present invention, thereis contemplated a light source support for an automotive vehicle, thelight source support comprises: a first non-flexible part adapted to bemounted with a plurality of first electronic components; and a secondnon-flexible part adapted to be mounted with a plurality of secondelectronic components. The light source support further comprises aflexible arm adapted to join the first non-flexible part and the secondnon-flexible part to form said light source support, which is twistableand rotatable. The first non-flexible part and the second non-flexiblepart are joined in a non-axial manner by the flexible arm such that alongitudinal axis of the first non-flexible part is not parallel to alongitudinal axis of the second non-flexible part when the firstnon-flexible part is joined with the second non-flexible part.

The invention may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe features described herein, such as, the flexible arm is configuredto join the first and the second non-flexible parts along longitudinalaxes directions; each of the first non-flexible part and the secondnon-flexible part includes a first main side and a second main side thatis disposed opposite to the first main face; the flexible arm is thinnerthan the first and second non-flexible parts along a directionperpendicular to the first and the second main sides of the non-flexibleparts; the flexible arm is provided with at least one metallizationlayer on its first side, and the flexible arm includes a number ofconductive tracks which allow establishing an electrical connectionbetween the first non-flexible part and the second non-flexible part;the number of conductive tracks extend from the first non-flexible partin a direction towards the second non-flexible part along the first sideof the flexible arm; the flexible arm is provided without components onit; and the flexible arm, the first non-flexible part and the secondnon-flexible part are formed as a single monolithic component.

The invention may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe features described herein, such as the flexible arm is adapted totwist the first non-flexible part at an angle with respect to the secondnon-flexible part and vice versa in a direction perpendicular to thelongitudinal axes of the non-flexible parts; a first end of the flexiblearm is integrally formed with the first non-flexible part and a secondend of the flexible arm is integrally formed with the secondnon-flexible part; the first end and the second end of the flexible armare integrally formed with respective longitudinal sides of the firstnon-flexible part and the second non-flexible part; length of theflexible arm is variable by changing the position of the first end orthe second end on respective longitudinal sides of the firstnon-flexible part or the second non-flexible part; the first end of theflexible arm is integrally formed on a corner of the first non-flexiblepart and the second end of the flexible arm is integrally formed on alongitudinal side of the second non-flexible part, and vice versa; and asecond side opposite to the first side of the flexible is machined toreduce the thickness of the flexible arm.

The invention may be further characterized by one or any combination ofthe features described herein, such as the flexible arm is one ofsubstantially L-shaped, U-shaped, or curved shaped; the flexible arm ofthe light source support allows mounting the light source support on acurved optical element; the flexible arm is adapted to withstand astress or a torsional force during twisting or rotation of the lightsource support, and wherein the stress on the flexible arm is morecompared to the stress on the non-flexible parts during twisting orrotation of the light source support; and the flexibility of the lightsource support arm increases with an increase of the length of theflexible arm.

Accordingly, pursuant to a second aspect of the present invention, thereis contemplated a lighting device for an automotive vehicle, thelighting device comprises: one or more lighting modules, each of thelight module comprises: at least one light source mounted on a lightsource support; and a curved optical element. The light source supportcomprises: a first non-flexible part adapted to be mounted with aplurality of first electronic components; a second non-flexible partadapted to be mounted with a plurality of second electronic components,wherein each of the first non-flexible part and the second non-flexiblepart includes a first main face and a second main face disposed oppositeto the first main face; and a flexible arm. The flexible arm is adaptedto join the first non-flexible part and the second non-flexible part toform the light source support which is twistable and rotatable, whereinthe first non-flexible part and the second non-flexible part are joinedin non-axial manner by the flexible arm such that a longitudinal axis ofthe first non-flexible part is not parallel to a longitudinal axis ofthe second non-flexible part when the first non-flexible part joinedwith the second non-flexible part.

It should be appreciated that the above referenced aspects and examplesare non-limiting, as others exist within the present invention, as shownand described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendantadvantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes betterunderstood by reference to the detailed description herein whenconsidered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1a is perspective top view of a light source support, according tothe present invention.

FIG. 1b is an enlarged view of a flexible arm joined with non-flexibleparts of the light source support, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2a is a perspective top view of a curved optical element mountedwith the light source support of the FIG. 1a

FIG. 2b is a perspective side view of a curved optical element mountedwith the light source support of the FIG. 1a

FIG. 3a to FIG. 3c shows mechanical simulation results when the lightsource support of the FIG. 1 is bent by the flexible arm, according tothe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a light source support, which istwistable and rotatable, and does not include any additional harness forthe connection. In particular, the present provides a light sourcesupport having two non-flexible parts structurally joined together by aflexible arm, which is configure to twist and rotate the non-flexibleparts in such a manner that the light source support can be positionedon a curved optical elements, for example, a curved light guide.Further, the light source support of the present invention can be usedfor multiple packaging platforms with one common design so that it isnot required to redesign the different PCB configurations for differentcurvature modules. In addition, the light source support of the presentinvention can be manufactured in one process, instead of manufacturingtwo PCBs and joining them using harness like in the conventional arts.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designateidentical or corresponding parts throughout several views.

FIG. 1a is a perspective top view of a light source support, accordingto the present invention. FIG. 1b is an enlarged view of a flexible armjoined with non-flexible parts of the light source support, according tothe present invention.

The light source support 100 of the present invention can be used inlighting devices and/or signalling devices of vehicle lamps (head lampsand rear lamps) of automotive vehicle. However, without limitation, thelight source support of the present invention can be used in otherapplications. The light source support 100 of the present inventioncomprises at least two non-flexible parts or rigid parts 105, 110, andeach two of the non-flexible parts 105, 110 are structurally joinedtogether by a flexible arm 115.

It is contemplated that relationship between the components andcomponent assemblies are surprisingly important in solving one or moreissues described in the background section above. Each of the componentsand component assemblies and the associated relationships are disclosedin greater detail and specifically in the following paragraphs.

Light Source Support 100

Light source support 100 is referred as a Printed Circuit Board (PCB).The Light source support 100 is used to carry light sources and otherelectronic components. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) include one or morelayers of conductors, typically copper, on which electronic componentsare physically mounted, separated by insulating layers such as glass,epoxy or polyimide, etc., to provide mechanical support for theelectronic circuitry. Electronic devices such as integrated circuits,transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, inductors and transformersare electrically connected to each other by wires of the componentssoldered to conductive lines of a printed circuit board to form anelectronic circuit.

Light source represents a visually perceived source of electromagneticradiation or an energized source of visually perceived radiant energy(inclusive of “Visible” light within the electromagnetic spectrum) butmay include a broad combination or range of electromagnetic or radiantenergy inclusive from among X-rays, ultraviolet and infrared energy,micro-wave and radio-wave spectrums. The light source may include everyconventional and suitable lighting element sources such asfilament-based or incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, arc orgas-discharge type lights, light emitting diodes (LED), or othersuitable conventional sources.

As previously mentioned, the light source support 100 of the presentinvention comprises at least two non-flexible parts or rigid parts 105,110, and each two of the non-flexible parts 105, 110 are structurallyjoined together by a flexible arm 115. In a preferred embodiment, asshown in the FIG. 1a , the light source support 100 comprises twonon-flexible parts comprising a first non-flexible part 105 and a secondnon-flexible part 110; and a flexible arm 115. The first non-flexiblepart 105 may be adapted to be mounted with a plurality of firstelectronic components (not shown in the Figures), and the secondnon-flexible part 110 may be adapted to be mounted with a plurality ofsecond electronic components (not shown in the Figures), which aredifferent from the plurality of first electronic components. Each of thefirst non-flexible part 105 and the second non-flexible 110 partincludes a first main side 116 a, 116 b and a second main side 117 a,117 b shown in FIG. 2b ) disposed opposite to the first main side 116.The plurality of first electronic components may be mounted on the firstmain side 116 a of the first non-flexible part 105 and the plurality ofthe second electronic components may be mounted on the first main side116 b of the second non-flexible part 110.

Non-Flexible Part or Rigid Part of Light Source Support

Rigid printed circuit board parts or non-flexible PCB part is a printedcircuit board that does not bend, deform or flex when subjected tomechanical stress. One advantage of rigid printed circuit boards is thatthe substrate absorbs mechanical stress, thereby inhibiting damage tothe components and their solder joints. One disadvantage of rigidprinted circuit boards is that they are inherently planar and cannot bebent to accommodate curved surfaces. Therefore, they are not a goodsolution for flexible or wearable applications. (Note: as used herein,the term “rigid” is not used in an absolute sense, but means that theobject in question (typically a printed circuit board) will not bendsignificantly or permanently when subjected to a bending force, and willreturn to its original shape, in particular the term “rigid” as appliedto printed circuit boards is used in a relative sense to mean that theprinted circuit board is more rigid than a flexible printed circuitboard to which the rigid printed circuit board is connected. Rigidprinted circuit board substrates typically include phenolic resins,polyimides, plastics or other rigid non-conductive materials. One commonmaterial used in the manufacture of rigid printed circuit boards is FR4,a substance that is “flame retardant”, comprising woven glass fibrecloth pre-impregnated with the abbreviation epoxy resin. Such substratesmay also be referred to as “prepreg” sheets, an abbreviation for prepregadhesive sheets. In a manufacturing process known as “lamination”, acopper foil is coated, i.e. “laminated”, onto a prepreg sheet. Duringthe manufacturing process, the combination of pressure and heatactivates the epoxy in the prepreg sheet, causing it to flow conformallybetween the foil and the prepreg sheet, bonding them together. In thiscontext, the term laminate means that the layers of material are joinedby bonding or other means into a flat sheet or an interlayer which maybe rigid or soft. This process may be repeated multiple times to createa multilayer printed circuit board.

Flexible Arm 115

The flexible arm 115 includes a first side 118 a (shown in FIG. 1b ) anda second side 118 b (shown in FIG. 2b ) opposite to the first side 118.The second side 118 b of the flexible arm is machined to reduce thethickness of the flexible arm 115. Thus, the The flexible arm 115 isthinner than the first 105 and second non-flexible parts 110 in adirection perpendicular to the first 116 a, 116 b and the second mainsides 117 a, 117 b of the non-flexible parts 105, 110. As the flexiblearm 115 is thinner than the non-flexible parts 105, 110, the flexiblearm 115 is adapted to twist the first non-flexible part 105 at an anglewith respect to the second non-flexible part 105 and vice versa in adirection perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 120, 125 of thenon-flexible parts 105, 110.

In an aspect, the flexible arm 115 may be provided without anyelectronic components on it. As can be seen from the FIG. 1b , the firstside 118 a of the flexible arm 120 includes at least one metallic layer140, which includes a number of conductive tracks 145 to establishelectrical connection between the first non-flexible part 105 and thesecond non-flexible part 110. Further, the conductive tracks 145 extendfrom the first non-flexible part 105 in a direction towards the secondnon-flexible part 110 along the first side 118 a of the flexible arm115.

The flexible arm 115 is one of substantially L-shaped, U-shaped, orcurved shaped. For the purpose of discussion, the flexible arm 115 shownin the FIG. 1a and the FIG. 1b is of substantially L-shaped.

In an embodiment, the flexible arm 115 may be configured to join thenon-flexible parts 105, 110 in the longitudinal direction. The flexiblearm 115 includes a first end 119 a and a second end 119 b (shown in FIG.1a ). The first end 119 a is referred to a portion of the flexible arm115, which may be integrally formed with the first non-flexible part105; and the second end 119 b is referred to a portion of the flexiblearm 105, which may be integrally formed with the second non-flexiblepart 110 of the light source support 105.

In an embodiment, the flexible arm 115 may be configured to join a firstlongitudinal side 130 of the first non-flexible part 105 with a firstlongitudinal side 135 of the second non-flexible part 110, as shown inthe FIG. 1 a.

In another embodiment, the first end 119 a of the flexible arm 115 maybe integrally formed on a corner of the first non-flexible part 105 andthe second end 119 b of the flexible arm 115 may be integrally formed ona longitudinal side 135 of the second non-flexible part 110, as can beseen from the FIG. 1 a.

Yet, in another embodiment, the first end 119 a of the flexible arm 115may be integrally formed on a longitudinal side 130 of the firstnon-flexible part 105 and the second end 119 b of the flexible arm 115may be integrally formed on a corner of the second non-flexible part110.

In an embodiment, length of the flexible arm 115 may be variable bychanging the position of the first end 119 a and/or the second end 119 bon respective longitudinal sides 130, 135 of the first non-flexible part105 or the second non-flexible part 110. For example, the first end 119a of the flexible arm 115 may be integrally formed at a centre of thefirst longitudinal side 130 of the first non-flexible part 105 and thesecond end 119 b of the flexible arm 115 may be formed at a centre ofthe second longitudinal side 135 of the second non-flexible part 110such that length of the flexible arm 115 can be increased compared tothe length of the flexible arm 115 shown in the FIG. 1a and the FIG. 1b. Further, in another example, the first end 119 a of the flexible arm115 may be integrally formed with a corner of the first non-flexiblepart 105 and the second end 119 b of the flexible arm 115 may be formedopposite corner of the second longitudinal side 135 of the secondnon-flexible part 110 such that length of the flexible arm 115 can beincreased compared to the length of the flexible arm 115 shown in theFIG. 1a and the FIG. 1b . Thus, it is understood to a person skilled inthe art that position of the first end 119 a and the second end 119 b ofthe flexible arm 115 can be varied along their longitudinal sides 130,135 in order to change the length of the flexible arm 115. It isunderstood that the longer the length of the flexible arm 115, the morethe flexibility provided by the flexible arm 115.

The flexible arm 115 may be adapted to twist the light source support100 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axes 120, 125 ofthe non-flexible parts 105, 110 such that first non-flexible part 105 isat an angle with respect to the second non-flexible part 110 and viceversa. For example, the flexible arm 115 is adapted to twist the lightsource support 100 in such a manner that an angle of about 20 degreesmay be obtained between the first non-flexible part 105 and the secondnon-flexible part 110. Without limitation, the higher angle of twistbetween the non-flexible parts 105, 110 may be achieved by increasingthe flexibility of the flexible arm 115. Apart from twisting, theflexible arm 115 of the present invention is adapted to rotate the onenon-flexible part 105 with respect to other non-flexible part 110 andvice versa.

In an embodiment, the flexible arm 105, the first non-flexible part 110and the second non-flexible part 115 may be formed as a singlemonolithic component. According to the present invention, the method forforming the light source support comprises: cutting a single flat PCBinto two separate non-flexible PCB parts 105, 110 with a part connectingthe non-flexible parts. The part which is connecting the twonon-flexible parts is machined to reduce its thickness and further theconnecting area is machined to have a substantially L-shapedconfiguration, in one embodiment, such that first end 119 a of theconnecting part 115 or the flexible arm 115 is integrally formed withthe first non-flexible part 105 and the second end 119 b of theconnecting part is integrally formed with the second non-flexible part110. As previously mentioned, the connecting part or the flexible arm115 can have substantially curved shaped or L-shaped or any other shapethat can withstand the stress or a torsional force and facilitatestwisting and/or rotation of the light source support 100 to beaccommodated on curved optical elements. Further, the geometry anddimensions of the flexible arm 115 can be changed to change theflexibility of the light source support 100.

FIG. 2a is a perspective top view of a curved optical element 200mounted with the light source support 100 of the FIG. 1a . FIG. 2b is aperspective side view of a curved optical element 200 mounted with thelight source support 100 of the FIG. 1a . As can be seen from the FIG.2a and the FIG. 2b , the light source support 100 of the presentinvention is positioned on a curved optical element 200, for example,curved light guide, by twisting the light source support 100 at theflexible arm 115, without damaging the non-flexible parts 105, 110 andthe flexible arm 115. Although, the embodiments of the present inventionare discussed with respect to positioning of the light source support100 on the curved optical elements 200, it is understood to a personskilled in the art that the light source support 100 of the presentinvention can also be positioned on flat optical elements, withoutlimitation.

FIG. 3a to FIG. 3c shows mechanical simulation results when the lightsource support 100 of the FIG. 1a is bent by the flexible arm 100,according to the present invention. Stress and strain analysis wereperformed on the light source support 100 of the present invention undercertain a mechanical loading to ensure reliability of the light sourcesupport 100 and to ensure that maximum strain is less than 0.08% atplaces where the electronic components are mounted. In the test, thestrain gauges may be affixed to the surface of the light source support100 at desired locations to measure the dynamic strain at the desiredlocations. Mechanical simulation has been done by creating a translationof 42.5 mm at the extremity of the light source support 100, in order toobtain 20 degree of angle between the two non-flexible parts 105, 110.

From the results, it is understood that maximum stress is at theflexible arm 115 and in the vicinity of the flexible arm 115 where noelectronic components are mounted. Further, it is understood that thestress decreases from the flexible arm 115 to the two extremities of thelight source support 100 such that non-flexible parts 105, 110, and thecomponents mounted on the non-flexible parts 105, 110 are not damagedwhile twisting and/or rotating the light source support 100. Thus, theflexible arm 115 of the present invention allows limiting the stress onother components while twisting and/or bending of the light sourcesupport 100, and thereby preventing the breakage of the light sourcesupport 100.

Thus, the light source support 100 of the present invention can be usedmultiple packaging platforms with one common design so that it is notrequired to redesign the different PCB configurations for differentcurvature modules. In addition, the light source support 100 of thepresent invention can be manufactured in one process, instead ofmanufacturing two PCBs and joining them using harness like in theconventional arts.

The present invention is not limited in its implementation to the abovedescribed embodiments. Rather, a number of variants which make use ofthe described solution even for basically different configurations. Moreparticularly, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments ofthe flexible arm with L-shape configuration. The present invention isalso directed different geometries of the flexible arm.

Although the present disclosure is provided with references to figures,all of the embodiments shown in figures are intended to explain thepreferred embodiments of the present invention by ways of examples,instead of being intended to limit the present invention.

It should be apparent and would be appreciated by those skilled in theart that various changes or modifications may be made in the presentdisclosure without departing from the principles and spirit of thedisclosure, which are intended to be covered by the present invention aslong as these changes or modifications fall within the scope defined inthe claims and their equivalents.

Any numerical values recited herein include all values from the lowervalue to the upper value in increments of one unit provided that thereis a separation of at least two (2) units between any lower value andany higher value. As an example, if it is stated that the amount of acomponent or a value of a process variable such as, for example,temperature, pressure, time and the like is, for example, from 1 to 90,preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, it is intendedthat values such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. areexpressly enumerated in this specification. For values which are lessthan one, one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 asappropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intendedand all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowestvalue and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to beexpressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints and allnumbers between the endpoints. The use of “about” or “approximately” inconnection with a range applies to both ends of the range. Thus, “about20 to 30” is intended to cover “about 20 to about 30”, inclusive of atleast the specified endpoints.

The disclosures of all articles and references, including patentapplications and publications, are incorporated by reference for allpurposes.

The term “consisting essentially” of to describe a combination shallinclude the elements, ingredients, components or steps identified, andsuch other elements ingredients, components or steps that do notmaterially affect the basic and novel characteristics of thecombination.

LIST OF ELEMENT NUMBERS

-   Light source support 100-   First non-flexible part 105-   Second non-flexible part 110-   Flexible arm 115-   First side of the first-non flexible part 116 a-   Second side of the first non-flexible part 117 a-   First side of the second non-flexible part 116 b-   Second side of the second non-flexible part 117 b-   First side of flexible arm 118 a-   Second side of flexible arm 118 b-   First end of flexible arm 119 a-   Second end of flexible arm 119 b-   Longitudinal axis of the first non-flexible part 120-   Longitudinal axis of the second non-flexible part 125-   Longitudinal side of the first non-flexible part 130-   Longitudinal side of the second non-flexible part 135-   Metallization layer 140-   Conductive tracks 145

The invention claimed is:
 1. A light source support of an automotivevehicle, the light source support comprises: a first non-flexible partadapted to be mounted with a number of first electronic components; asecond non-flexible part adapted to be mounted with a number of secondelectronic components; and a flexible arm adapted to join the firstnon-flexible part and the second non-flexible part to form said lightsource support, where the flexible arm is configured to be twistable androtatable relative to each non-flexible part; the flexible arm extendingfrom a corner at an angle along an axial direction that is differentthan longitudinal axial directions of either the first non-flexible partor the second non-flexible part; wherein a proximal end of the flexiblearm is integrally formed on the corner and extends to an opposing end ofthe flexible arm that is integrally formed along a longitudinal side ofan opposing non-flexible part.
 2. The light source support of claim 1,wherein the flexible arm is configured to join the first and the secondnon-flexible parts along longitudinal axes directions.
 3. The lightsource support of claim 1, wherein each of the first non-flexible partand the second non-flexible part includes a first main side and a secondmain side that is disposed opposite to the first main side.
 4. The lightsource support of claim 1, wherein the flexible arm is thinner than thefirst and second non-flexible parts along a direction perpendicular tothe first and the second main sides of the non-flexible parts.
 5. Thelight source support of claim 1, wherein the flexible arm is providedwith at least one metallization layer on its first side, and theflexible arm includes a number of conductive tracks, which allowestablishing an electrical connection between the first non-flexiblepart and the second non-flexible part.
 6. The light source support ofclaim 5, wherein the number of conductive tracks extend from the firstnon-flexible part in a direction towards the second non-flexible partalong the first side of the flexible arm.
 7. The light source support ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible arm is provided without components on it.8. The light source support of claim 1, wherein the flexible arm, thefirst non-flexible part and the second non-flexible part are formed as asingle monolithic component.
 9. The light source support of claim 1,wherein the flexible arm is adapted to twist the first non-flexible partat an angle with respect to the second non-flexible part in a directionperpendicular to each longitudinal axis of the non-flexible parts. 10.The light source support of claim 1, wherein a first end of the flexiblearm is integrally formed with the first non-flexible part and a secondend of the flexible arm is integrally formed with the secondnon-flexible part.
 11. The light source support of claim 10, wherein thefirst end and the second end of the flexible arm are integrally formedwith respective longitudinal sides of the first non-flexible part andthe second non-flexible part.
 12. The light source support of claim 11,wherein length of the flexible arm is variable by changing the positionof the first end or the second end on respective longitudinal sides ofthe first non-flexible part or the second non-flexible part.
 13. Thelight source support of claim 1, wherein the first non-flexible part andthe second non-flexible part are joined in a non-axial manner by theflexible arm such that a longitudinal axis of the first non-flexiblepart is not parallel to a longitudinal axis of the second non-flexiblepart when the first non-flexible part is joined with the secondnon-flexible part.
 14. The light source support of claim 5, wherein asecond side opposite to the first side of the flexible is machined toreduce the thickness of the flexible arm.
 15. The light source supportof claim 1, wherein the flexible arm is one of substantially L-shaped,U-shaped, or curved shaped.
 16. The light source support of claim 1,wherein the flexible arm of the light source support allows mounting thelight source support on a curved optical element.
 17. The light sourcesupport of claim 1, wherein the flexible arm is adapted to withstand astress or a torsional force during twisting or rotation of the lightsource support, and wherein the stress on the flexible arm is morecompared to the stress on the non-flexible parts during twisting orrotation of the light source support.
 18. The light source support ofclaim 1, wherein the flexibility of the light source support armincreases with an increase of the length of the flexible arm.
 19. Alighting device of an automotive vehicle, the lighting device comprises:a number of lighting modules, wherein each lighting module includes: atleast one light source mounted on a light source support; and a curvedoptical element, wherein the light source support includes: a firstnon-flexible part adapted to be mounted with a plurality of firstelectronic components; a second non-flexible part adapted to be mountedwith a plurality of second electronic components, wherein each firstnon-flexible part and second non-flexible part includes a first mainface and a second main face opposing the first main face; and a flexiblearm adapted to join the first non-flexible part and the secondnon-flexible part forming the light source support, where the flexiblearm is configured to be twistable and rotatable relative to eachnon-flexible part; wherein the first non-flexible part and the secondnon-flexible part are joined in a non-axial manner by the flexible armsuch that a longitudinal axis of teach non-flexible part is not parallelto one another along a longitudinal axis of each non-flexible part whenthe first non-flexible part is joined with the second non-flexible part.